MVRDV unveils rooftop catalogue with 130 ideas to repurpose empty urban spaces

MVRDV has recently unveiled a catalogue of 130 innovative ideas to make use of the numerous – mostly empty – flat roofs in the netherlands. although originally developed for rotterdam, the project can also provide solutions for other dutch cities, explaining how repurposing rooftops can help with major issues such as climate change, lack of housing, and the transition to renewable energy. 

all images courtesy of MVRDV

while rotterdam has 18.5 km2 of empty flat roofs available, only a limited number is taken advantage of, leaving the city with untapped potential in terms of urban development. commissioned by the municipality of rotterdam to address this issue, MVRDV has collaborated with the rotterdam rooftop days organization team to come up with a catalogue presenting an overview of 130 different new function suggestions for the unexploited rooftops, from personal offices to sports fields to a cemetery.

through a series of vibrant illustrations, the 148-page catalogue showcases how repurposing empty rooftops can help with the scarcity of space in urban environments, and prevent the city from expanding outwards into rural areas. while aiming to inspire people, the book also focuses on the practical side of rooftop use responding to questions such as ‘what are the different options for construction? or ‘which ideas are suitable for which types of building?’. the catalogue also glimpses into the future, exploring what it will take to turn these ideas into a reality.

‘I think we need a new building code, or rather a rooftop code, with a helpdesk for the homeowners’ associations and corporations that take the initiative. you should be able to stack the four elements – water, greenery, energy, and population – on top of each other, like a sandwich. it should be defined in some kind of regulation that rooftops should be able to support that weight. stronger structures are more sustainable,’ shares MVRDV founding partner winy maas.

the launch of the rooftop catalogue is part of rotterdam architecture month, when MVRDV and other local architecture firms showcase their latest work and ideas. MVRDV is also participating with, among other things, a sneak preview of the exhibition ‘MVRDVHNI: the living archive’, which opens this autumn in het nieuwe instituut, while outdoor activities, will also be organized.

project info:

name: rooftop catalogue – available for purchase here
architects: MVRDV
in collaboration with: rotterdam rooftop days
commisionned by: the city of rotterdam